ISC Round 19 Previews

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ROUND 19 PREVIEW

SOUTHS LOGAN v REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS

Brandon Park, Saturday, August 13 - 2pm* Live on ABC 1

While both teams sit comfortably in the Intrust Super Cup top six, Redcliffe's current form paints a different story. The Dolphins have lost three in a row and are searching for some forward momentum ahead of the 2011 finals. Redcliffe was held scoreless last weekend for the first time at home since 1985 in a disappointing performance against the Northern Pride, and another loss here against the Magpies would see them slip further to fourth place.

The Magpies meanwhile, have been quietly going about feathering their nest and successive wins has seen them work their way higher up the ladder. In a positive sign for Souths Logan fans, the Magpies came from 10 points down at half-time to defeat the Ipswich Jets 26-20 in a close match last Saturday. This weekend, Magpies coach Mark Beaumont has named Wade Liddell to return from injury in the centres, while Nick Skinner slots back into the second row for Dashae Francis.

The Dolphins were dealt a blow last weekend with Dan Cross stretchered off with a season-ending knee injury. Ryan Carr has been named to play at halfback, with Tui Samoa added to the bench. The Dolphins will also be without David Hala who has been called up to the Brisbane Broncos with Greg Byrnes promoted from the FOGS Cup into the starting side.

EASTS TIGERS v WYNNUM MANLY

Langlands Park, Saturday, August 13 - 3pm

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls are now in full control of their season, with their win last weekend over the Mackay Cutters propelling them into a top six position. But they will now have to win all of their remaining games to ensure they stay there. The Seagulls forwards earned much of the praise for their win over the equally-desperate Cutters as did the side's defensive effort, which kept the visitors scoreless in the second half.

A derby game between two traditional Brisbane sides, this will also serve as the deciding match for the Barton's Cup - meaning there will still be a lot on the line for the sides. Unfortunately for Easts, a loss here would see them surpass their worst run of losses in the Queensland Cup, which currently sits at six in a row. However, the Tigers are expected to lift and would fancy their chances of causing an upset, particularly as they have enjoyed a steady run of success over Wynnum with 16 wins to the Seagulls' 13 since 1996. There has also been one drawn result in that time.

The Ipswich Jets will be aiming to snap a two-game losing streak this weekend against an in-form Norths Devils side. Despite putting up a good fight, the Jets were unable to hold out the Souths Logan Magpies last weekend and will be hoping to put on a winning performance for their home fans.

They will also be under extra pressure to perform with a number of teams nipping at their heels for a top six spot. While they are still safe sitting one win clear of nearest rivals Wynnum Manly, a loss here could have major consequences in the long run. When these two sides met earlier this year, all thoughts of defence went out the window with the Jets coming up 46-30 winners at Bishop Park.

That sort of game is unlikely this time, although both sides have enough attacking weapons at their disposal to provide an entertaining game. Luke Capewell and Keiron Lander are expected to return for the Jets, who will need to contain dangerous Norths fullback Javarn White. White crossed for a double against the Sunshine Coast last weekend to take his tally to 19 tries from 18 games. In milestone news, Ipswich Jets forward Trevor Exton has been named to play his 150th Queensland Cup match, having previously played with Wynnum Manly and Easts.

It was the Mackay Cutters who managed to stop the Northern Pride in their record undefeated run of 19 games earlier this year, and while the Cairns side say they are not entertaining thoughts of revenge, there will be plenty of feeling in this game. A